Are TV shows getting too complicated?

[Looper]

I used to be able to follow TV shows easily. I am just about to finish watching all 6 series of the Sopranos for the 5th time (will be my mastermind special subject if I ever get on the show). Easy to follow and ground-breakingly good dialogue and drama for its time.

TV shows nowadays are more sophisticated though and also more entertaining. But I can barely follow them. I just finished the sublime beyond words 'True Detective'. Loved every second but at the end of each episode I had to jump on Wikipedia and read the episode summary to explain what had actually happened. By episode 5 I started using the subtitles which helped me with the dialogue a bit but I still needed to check the plot details on the internet.

I had the same thing with early series of Game of Thrones (before I had a grip on all the characters) due to so many parallel story lines. Watched The Americans S02E01. Looks to be as good as season 1. But a couple of scenes I had to rewind and replay 4 times and then turn on subtitles to follow the dialogue. Just to obscure and fast. Same problem with House of Cards S02. Couldn't fully follow the plot-lines without checking internet but still top drawer TV with or without detailed plot understanding.

I suspect I would have enjoyed True Detective just as much if I had not bothered checking plot-line details as it was just so atmospheric and cleverly constructed and the character dynamic between Cohle and Hart was the most intense I have ever seen on a TV show. It also contained genuinely thought provoking philosophical comment.

Anyway I am not complaining since TV seems to have upped its game in the last few years and I don't mind having to get help to follow the plot when the production is so good.

There is also the possibility that TV shows are not getting more complicated and I am just getting more stupid.

[Dillinger]

try smoking a joint and watching

[thaimeme]

try smoking a joint and watching

...or, just don't watch.
But smoke the dobbie anyway.

[Thormaturge]

It may be that you are simply starting to notice stuff that previously would have gone over your head.

A sign that you are paying closer attention.

Good movies are the same. You can sit back and enjoy the plot at a very superficial level, or pay attention to the detail and get more from them.

Looper, you're probably just getting old.

[spliff]

the honorable woman

[FailSafe]

I've been completely confused ever since Fonzie jumped over a shark.

[VocalNeal]

the honorable woman

Yep I'm up to episode 3 and even if I read the episode synopses I am still none the wiser but yes better informed:-) It's all a bit George Smiley.

Even The Tunnel is getting a bit complicated.

[WorldNomad]

I cut my cable a few months ago. Tv is mostly trash these days. You did miss out on True Detective. It was the best. Im waiting for the next one.

[Humbert]

Have you noticed? Movies are getting worse and TV is getting better. The long form story format allows for more character development and more complex plots. Talent is flocking to TV because movies have become so high risk.
Some are more challenging than others, from the easily accessible Downton Abbey to the cerebral and complicated True Dectective. We really are in the golden age of TV.

[Lancelot]

That's why I like Thai soaps. they all have the same format/story plot:

1 Good girl
2 Bad girl/jealous girl/ tantrum girl
3 Good guy
4 Bad guy who beats up good guy
5 Respected elder who solves the crisis and restore happiness to all

[baldrick]

the Sopranos

not watched it

'True Detective'

not watched it

Game of Thrones

not watched it

House of Cards

made it to about episode 5 and decided it was not worth the effort

I have the fargo series to watch - but I was hesitant to d/load it even with all the glowing reviews

I think people are too easily amused

the last series I enjoyed was the 3 part pommy spy story - forget the 3 names of the episodes

[thaimeme]

Have you noticed? Movies are getting worse and TV is getting better. The long form story format allows for more character development and more complex plots. Talent is flocking to TV because movies have become so high risk.
Some are more challenging than others, from the easily accessible Downton Abbey to the cerebral and complicated True Dectective. We really are in the golden age of TV.

Some might disagree.
Television programming has become universally quite lame.

Quality and content is beyond poor.
Almost always homogenous and redundant.

Original programming is a thing of the past.

This critique might also apply to today's film selection.

[Gravesend Dave]

the Sopranos

not watched it

'True Detective'

not watched it

Game of Thrones

not watched it

House of Cards

made it to about episode 5 and decided it was not worth the effort

I have the fargo series to watch - but I was hesitant to d/load it even with all the glowing reviews

I think people are too easily amused

the last series I enjoyed was the 3 part pommy spy story - forget the 3 names of the episodes

fargo was was ok pretty funny,if all the episodes could have lived up to the first it would have been a great series